SD 6th Grade Vaccination Requirements - FAQ

South Dakota Department of Health administrative rules require both the Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) and MCV4 (Meningococcal ACYW) vaccines for 6th grade students. Meningococcal infection is included on the list of diseases specified in South Dakota Codified Law 13-28-7.1 for which DOH can require vaccination for school entry in South Dakota.

Can you explain the requirement?
All incoming 6th grade students and any transfer students 6th–12th grade will be required to have received one dose of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine (Tdap) and one dose of meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) on or after the 11th birthday.

What if the student received the Tdap vaccine before their 11th birthday?
If the Tdap vaccine was received on or after the 7th birthday, it does not need to be repeated.

What if the student received the MCV4 vaccine prior to the 11thbirthday?If the MCV4 vaccine was received on or after the 10th birthday, it does not need to be repeated.

Are exemptions allowed?
Yes both religious and medical exemptions are allowed

Are schools required to report the immunization data to the Department of Health as they do kindergarten immunizations?
Yes the immunization data is required to be reported by November 1 of the current school year.

What is a “transfer student?”
Any student that was not attending an accredited South Dakota school and is now entering an accredited South Dakota school is considered a transfer student.

What it the student has not reached their 11th birthday?
If the student has not reached their 11th birthday, they will have up to 45 days past their birthday to show proof of vaccination.